Burg Oebisfelde, Medieval water castle in Oebisfelde-Weferlingen, Germany
Burg Oebisfelde is a water castle with a pentagon shape, measuring about 67 by 80 meters, built around a massive square keep about 27 meters high with walls about 2.5 meters thick. The structure sits on a sandbank within the marshy Drömling region and features solid stone construction with multiple towers and buildings.
The fortress was built in the 10th century to protect a river crossing over the Aller and was first mentioned in writing between 1014 and 1073 under the name Ysfelde. This early documentation makes it one of the oldest fortifications in this region.
The castle houses a museum of regional history where visitors can see objects and exhibitions that show how the town developed over centuries. You can trace the everyday lives and trading stories of this region through what is displayed here.
The castle can be visited on a guided tour offered by the Oebisfelde Heritage Association, where visitors can climb the keep and view the surrounding landscape from above. It is recommended to check on opening times and tour availability in advance, as these vary by season.
It is one of Europe's earliest swamp castles, built on a sandbank within the boggy Drömling region, making it a rare engineering achievement. This location was an innovative solution at the time for creating a secure fortress in difficult terrain.
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